Fees
We usually charge hourly fees. Each staff member involved in a given matter keeps track of his or her time, and bills at a predetermined rate. The normal hourly rates charged by each staff member are:
Work is billed in segments of .1 hr., with a minimum of .2 hr. for each activity. Certain types of work (review and signing of annual accountings, tax returns and filing initial probate pleadings, for example) are charged at a flat rate to reflect the fact that they may require attorney review or be the culmination of a long period of individual, unbilled activities. Hourly fees are billed each month. We do not bill for ordinary postage, copying or telephone expenses (including long distance charges).
Flat Fees:
Some activities are charged at a flat rate, rather than hourly. This is intended to provide clients with certainty about the final fee, and to encourage clients to make contact as necessary (without worrying about increases in the bill for each contact). Our initial consultation fee of $400 will be credited toward further services if those services are charged at a flat rate. Our usual flat-fee charges for uncomplicated matters are:
Will Preparation (including powers of attorney)
Other Estate Planning
Medical/ALTCS
Decedent's Estates
Guardianship and Conservatorship of Minors
Guardianship and Conservatorship of Adults -- hourly
We are willing to quote flat fees in most cases. We welcome your discussion of flat-fee arrangements.
- Robert Fleming, Attorney/Partner--$300/hr.
- Thomas Curti, Attorney/Partner--$300/hr.
- Leigh H. Bernstein, Attorney/Partner--$300/hr.
- Victoria E. Blair, Attorney/Partner--$300/hr.
- Amy Matheson, Attorney--$275/hr.
- Bill Howsden, Case Manager--$140/hr.
- Martelle Harper, Case Manager--$140/hr.
- Isabel Uzcategui, Case Manager--$125/hr.
- Kathleen Kreuzer, Senior Legal Assistant--$150/hr.
- Sally Jo Mitchell, Senior Legal Assistant--$150/hr.
- Robin Middleton-Port, Senior Legal Assistant--$150/hr.
- Michele Nesbitt, Legal Assistant--$140/hr.
- Susan Kellner, Legal Assistant--$140/hr.
- Heidi Hauschild, Legal Assistant--$140/hr.
- Sharon Meehan, Financial Assistant--$100/hr.
- Jamie Tiedeman, Financial Assistant--$100/hr.
Work is billed in segments of .1 hr., with a minimum of .2 hr. for each activity. Certain types of work (review and signing of annual accountings, tax returns and filing initial probate pleadings, for example) are charged at a flat rate to reflect the fact that they may require attorney review or be the culmination of a long period of individual, unbilled activities. Hourly fees are billed each month. We do not bill for ordinary postage, copying or telephone expenses (including long distance charges).
Flat Fees:
Some activities are charged at a flat rate, rather than hourly. This is intended to provide clients with certainty about the final fee, and to encourage clients to make contact as necessary (without worrying about increases in the bill for each contact). Our initial consultation fee of $400 will be credited toward further services if those services are charged at a flat rate. Our usual flat-fee charges for uncomplicated matters are: Will Preparation (including powers of attorney)
- Single person--$600
- Married couple--$850
- With trust provisions--$1,000-$1,500 (depending on complexity)
- Simple (single or married)--$1,800-$2,400
- Decedent/Survivor (A/B)--$2,200-$2,800
- Special Needs Trust as part of Estate Planning--$2,500-$3,000
Other Estate Planning
- Arizona Beneficiary Deeds--$250
- Other Deeds--$250
- Powers of Attorney--$400
- Home Visits (Initial Interview or Signing)--$250 each visit
Medical/ALTCS
- Initial Consultations (including written evaluation)--$800
- Preparation of "Miller" Trusts--$800
- Preparation and Filing of ALTCS Application (and other follow-up)--negotiated or hourly
Decedent's Estates
- Probate proceedings--$1,500 minimum; hourly billing (unless flat fee arrangements have been discussed)
- Affidavits for Collection of Personal Property--$350
- Affidavit of Succession to Real Property--$1,000
- Preparation of Estate Tax Returns (Federal and Arizona)--$2,500 minimum in advance
Guardianship and Conservatorship of Minors
- Uncontested Guardianship--$1,250 plus costs
- Initial Conservatorship (and approval of settlement)--$3,000 plus costs
- Special Needs Trust for Personal Injury--Add $2,000
- Withdrawal of funds from Court-Controlled Account--$500-$700
- Emergency Petitions--Add $500
Guardianship and Conservatorship of Adults -- hourly
- Emergency Petitions--Add $500
We are willing to quote flat fees in most cases. We welcome your discussion of flat-fee arrangements.